Defeated efforts to skirt rules to build a resort

In 2013, the developers of the Aspen Lakes subdivisions outside Sisters sought permission yet again to convert their rural residential housing developments to a destination resort through HB 3536.

This single developer would have been granted exemptions to state land use laws and given exclusive authority to build 480-plus homes, an RV Park, security facilities, roads, utilities, and unspecified other "recreational" facilities.

Multiple agencies weighed in with concerns about the special exemptions to be granted to the developer. The state Department of Land Conservation and Development stated, "Under this bill all local codes and comprehensive plans, as well as state statutes, planning goals, and rules which would otherwise apply to this development are waived." (See DLCD letter re:HB 3536.)

The Oregon Water Resources Dept. stated concerns that the proposal would require issuance of a new water permit whether or not the water was available under the Deschutes Mitigation Plan water allocation cap. (OWRD letter re: HB 3536.)

OLAWA sounded the alarm and rallied opponents to speak out against the bill, which did not pass.

Following this defeat, at the request of the developers, Rep. John Huffman and DLCD convened a "work group" in Sisters to develop legislation for 2014, with an eye to create yet another special pathway for this one developer.

The proposal centered on using "transfer of development opportunities" from a failed Metolius resort proposal from 2009 as a way to create a resort at Aspen Lakes.

The work group was initially comprised of three developers, one realtor and state agency officials. No public notice was given for the first meeting, but following an alert from OLAWA, 30 to 40 concerned Sisters residents attended and demanded a voice.